Nottingham Forest new stadium boost in City Ground row twist

Nottinghamshire County Council has confirmed it would be “more than happy” to “explore options” for a new stadium with Nottingham Forest if the Reds decide to leave the City Ground.

Forest chairman Tom Cartledge has said the club is prepared to consider relocating to a new stadium rather than redeveloping the City Ground as talks with Nottingham City Council over rent stalled. Those talks between Forest and the council are said to have stalled over the council wanting to increase rent to £1m from £250,000.

Suggesting land near Toton as an alternative to the City Ground, Keith Girling, the county council’s cabinet member for economic development, told the BBC: “We’d be more than happy to explore options with Forest, as with any business or developer.

“We recognise the value of them to the local economy. Hypothetically, if that land at Toton is suitable, of course we’d be interested.”

Cartledge previously told the BBC : “We find ourselves in a position where for the first time we’re having to consider whether the future is going to be away from the City Ground

“In the future, football clubs’ wage bills are going to be very heavily linked to revenue.

“If we can’t grow the revenue, there is a realistic chance we cannot achieve our objectives and grow the playing side and give the manager the resources he needs.

“Unless we start to see some significant progress, it is now having to be a realistic discussion point as to look elsewhere.”I’m frustrated, the owner is frustrated, because what he wants to do is give back what he promised the people of Forest, which is growth on and off the field and not to be able to do that is tough.”